Over the past 10 years there has been a significant reduction in pollutants released into the atmosphere around Antwerp harbour. According to the findings of a survey conducted by the large-scale industry work group of Voka, Antwerp-Waasland Chamber of Commerce, among 31 of the largest industrial companies located in the harbour area, including the petrochemical cluster, total emissions dropped by no less than 40% during the period 1998-2008.
Emissions per tonne in large-scale industry have been nearly halved in 10 years. This positive development occurred during a period when the economy registered strong growth. Over a period of 30 years, production more than doubled while total emissions dropped by about two thirds.
These results show that manufacturing processes are far more efficient nowadays. The reduction of pollutants in the atmosphere is confirmed from figures compiled by the Flemish Environment Agency which corroborate the emissions data recorded by these companies.
New forms of energy generation have taken place in the harbour area during the past decade. Whereas industry used to purchase electricity from other regions, it nowadays to a large degree takes responsibility for generating the electricity itself. More and more companies today employ energy-power cogeneration, whereby they produce their own electricity in a very efficient manner (combined with usable heat).
The emissions from the generation of this energy are, however, included in the total carbon dioxide emissions. This explains why CO2 emissions were up by 7% during the period 1998- 2008. The electricity that used to be purchased from other regions was not included in the total emissions. These figures show that industry and the harbour are making serious efforts to improve the quality of air and the environment.
These efforts are also in line with specially adapted legislation that imposes stricter standards. The Antwerp Port Authority is keen to see environmental protection viewed not so much as being a potential obstacle to economic expansion, but rather as a winning asset that gives the port authority a competitive edge.
